Both sides of the aisle are in agreement on Louisiana Rep. Cedric L. Richmond's prowess on the mound. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Louisiana Democrat Cedric L. Richmond learned how to play America’s pastime at the age of five in Little League. He went on to play in high school, in college for Morehouse, and then at Nationals Park.

And, according to longtime GOP manager Texas Rep. Joe L. Barton, he’s the best player to ever play in the Congressional Baseball Game. Thursday’s game could be anyone’s game as Democrats are going for their eighth win in a row while Republicans are working to break their team’s losing streak.

Democratic Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, first baseman, and Christopher S. Murphy of Connecticut, catcher, are going for their 8th win in a row this year. And Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, centerfield, and Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, second baseman, are working to break their team’s losing streak.

Through the end of this week, participants can say which food best represents their home state and suggest where to find that food back home and in Washington.

In all, there will be 64 dishes entered in the bracket, to narrow down the winner of the 2016 Taste of America trophy, to be presented on June 23 at the Congressional Baseball Game . Last year, the honors went to Indiana’s pork tenderloin.